Magnetic control device

ABSTRACT

A magnetic control device comprising a magnetic structure having four openings forming an approximately square configuration. An input winding and an output winding are both coupled with the pair of openings along one diagonal of the square and a control winding is coupled with the pair of openings along the other diagonal of the square. An AC control signal, that is synchronized with an AC input signal, saturates the area around each of its associated openings which restricts the flux path available to the flux induced by the input signal. Varying the amplitude of the control signal varies the volume that flux induced by the input signal may occupy and therefore varies the current induced into the output winding. Other embodiments include NOR and NAND logic circuits that are derived from this basic magnetic control device.

United States Patent Baycura [54] MAGNETIC CONTROL DEVICE [72] Inventor: Orestes M. Baycura, 2238 Central Park Drive, Campbell, Calif. 95008 [22] Filed: Jan. 6, 1970 [2]] Appl. No.: 991

[ 1 Feb. 15,1972

Primary ExaminerJames W. Mofiitt Attorney-R. Si Sciascia and Charles D. B. Curry ABSTRACT A magnetic control device comprising a magnetic structure having four openings fonning an approximately square configuration. An input winding and an output winding are both coupled with the pair of openings along one diagonal of the square and a control winding is coupled with the pair of openings along the other diagonal of the square. An AC control signal, that is synchronized with an AC input signal, saturates the area around each of its associated openings which restricts the flux path available to the flux induced by the input signal. Varying the amplitude of the control signal varies the volume that flux induced by the input signal may occupy and therefore varies the current induced into the output winding. Other embodiments include NOR and NAND logic circuits that are derived from this basic magnetic control device.

3 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENIEDFEB 15 m2 SHEET 1 [IF 2 a a 7 w w m d, f

a q I,

a 1 m F PRIOR ART ORESTES M. BAYCURA INVENTOR.

PATENTEDFEB 15 I972 I 3.643.104

ORESTES M. BAYCURA INVENTOR.

MAGNETIC CONTROL DEVICE The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

One of the difficulties encountered with conventional magnetic control devices used as magnetic amplifiers is that they have a relatively low-frequency response. This is because a relatively large number of control winding turns are necessary to maintain the power consumption at an acceptable level. As a result it has been necessary to use DC on low-frequency AC control signals.

Accordingly, an object of the magnetic control device of the present invention is to overcome this difficulty by employing a unique magnetic structure and winding configuration that allows the use of a high-frequency control signal and still achieve an acceptable power consumption level.

Briefly, the present invention comprises a magnetic control device comprising a magnetic structure having four openings forming an approximately square configuration. An input winding and an output winding are both coupled with the pair of openings along one diagonal of the square and a control winding is coupled with the pair of openings along the other diagonal of the square. An AC control signal, that is synchronized with an AC input signal, saturates the area around each of its associated openings which restricts the flux path available to the flux induced by the input signal. Varying the amplitude of the control signal varies the volume that flux induced by the input signal may occupy and therefore varies the current induced into the output winding. Other embodiments include NOR and NAND logic circuits that are derived from this basic magnetic control device.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a conventional magnetic amplifier;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the magnetic control device of the present invention used as a magnetic amplifier;

F IG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a NOR logic circuit using the magnetic control device of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing ofa NAND logic circuit using the magnetic control device of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 is shown a conventional magnetic amplifier as generally indicated by reference numeral 11. Magnetic amplifier 11 includes a toroidal magnetic structure '13 that is made of magnetic material, input winding 15, output winding 17, and control winding 19. The input toinput winding 15 is typically an AC signal (V,,,) generated by an AC source 21. The output signal (V,,,,,) is induced into output winding 17 by the change in flux (4 which is induced into structure 13 by'the input signal (V,,,) in input winding 15. The induced flux occupies a toroidal shaped path in the outer ring section 22 of the structure and has a width (W that varies as hereinafter described. A DC power source 23 is connected through variable resistor 25 to control winding 19. When direct current passes through winding 19 it induces DC control flux (4: in structure 13 which occupies a toroidal-shaped path 27 in the inner ring section 27 and has a width (W which varies as a function of the control current passing through winding 19. Since the flux (11) induced by the DC control signal, saturates the inner ring section 27 it prevents the alternating flux (du induced by the AC input signal, from occupying that space. Amplification is achieved by varying the DC control signal which varies the width (W of the DC flux path and therefore the width (W of the AC flux path. Since the width of the AC flux path is varied the AC flux (qS induced in output winding 17 is varied. Therefore, for a given constant amplitude input-signal (V,,,) the output signal (V,,,,,) is varied as a function of the DC level of the control signal (E As a general practice control winding 19 necessarily employs a large number of turns. This is because, to induce adequate control flux 45 and to have low current or power consumption levels, it is necessary that the control current be small which requires that the number ofturns in winding 19 be large. In addition, the path length of the control flux (di is quite long and therefore requires large control current since the saturation flux is inversely proportional to flux path length (H NIII). Normally the number of turns in windings l5 and 17 is smallcompared to the number of turns in winding 19 because the currents in windings l5 and 17 are normally large compared to the control current in winding 19. As a result of these design requirements the AC power losses in the control circuit (winding 19 and resistor 25) are large since there is a large number of turns in control winding 19 and there is a direct coupling of the input flux (4) and the control winding 19. Another design difficulty in the HO. 1 circuit is that the transient time response, or frequency response, of the control circuit is quite low due to the large number of turns in winding 19. As a result, change in the level of the DC control signal must be relatively slow as limited by the slow time response. Although an AC control signal may be employed, when synchronized with the AC input signal, the frequency of the AC control signal must be kept quite low due to the slow time response caused by the large number of turns in winding 19.

In FIG. 2 is illustrated the magnetic control device of the present invention used as a magnetic amplifier which is generally indicated by reference numeral 31. Magnetic amplifier 31 includes magnetic structure 33 that is made of magnetic material, four openings 35, 36, 37 and 38, input winding 39,, output winding 41 and control winding 43. The input to input winding'39 is typically an AC signal (V,-,,) generated by an AC source 45. The AC flux (lb generated by the AC input signal in input winding 39 is induced into structure 33 and surrounds each of openings 36 and 38 as indicated by the dotted lines and arrows identified as (45 The control flux (4%) generated by the AC control signal in control winding 43 by AC control signal source 46 is induced into structure 33 and surrounds each of openings 35 and 37 as indicated by the broken lines and arrows identified as (45 The output winding 41 passes through opening 36 and 38 and is coupled only with the input flux (QS induced by the input winding 39. It should be particularly noted that the output winding 41 is not coupled with the control flux ((1%). This is to be distinguished from the conventional magnetic amplifier as illustrated in FIG. 1 where the input flux is coupled with the control winding 19. In addition, it should be also noted that the wires of the input winding 39 are at a right angle to the wires of the control winding 43 which minimizes the coupling factor between the input and control windings.

When an 'AC control signal passes through control winding 43 it induces an AC control flux in structure 33 that occupies two toroidal-shaped paths around openings 35 and 37. Each path has a width (W that varies as a function of the amplitude of the AC control signal, which is varied by variable resistor 47, passing through control winding 43. When an AC input signal passes through input winding 39 it induces an AC input flux (di in structure 33 that occupies two toroidalshaped paths around openings 36 and 38. Each path has a width (W that varies as a function of the control current passing through control winding 43. Since the control flux (di induced by the AC control signal, saturates around openings 35 and 37 and occupy regions of the structure 33 that would otherwise be occupied by the input flux (4) variation of the amplitude of the AC control signal controls the volume which may be occupied by the input flux (412 induced by the AC input signal. Amplification is achieved by varying the amplitude of AC control signal which varies the width (W of the control flux path and therefore the width (W of the AC flux path. Since the width of the input signal flux path is varied the input flux induced in output winding 41 is varied. Therefore, for a given constant amplitude input signal (V,,,) the output signal (V,,,,,) is varied as a func tion of the amplitude of the control signal (V The power required to generate the control flux ((1) of the FIG. 2 system is much less than that of the conventional system shown in FIG. 1. This is because the required control flux (135 is directly proportional to the path length of the control flux and in accordance with the geometry of the present invention the length of the path of the control flux is much less than the length of the path of the control flux (dJ of the conventional magnetic amplifier shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, when using the same current in FIG. 1 system as in FIG. 2 system the required number of turns in control winding 41 of the FIG. 2 system is much less than the required number of turns on control winding 19 of the FIG. 1 system. Therefore, with few turns on control winding 41 it is possible to have a much higher frequency response. In practice the present invention has been found so effective that excellent control may be achieved in the to 20 megacycle frequency range which means that the control device of FIG. 2 may be effectively used as a computer logic element.

It is to be understood that the control signal (V of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2 may be either DC or AC. If AC then it is synchronized with the input signal (V,,,) and the output signal (V,,,,,) is varied by varying the amplitude of the control signal. The openings of the FIG. 2 device may have different sizes and may be made closer or further from the center depending upon the particular use. They would be made closer, for example, when small control currents or large inputcurrents are employed. Conversely, the openings may be moved further away from the center when it is desired to use large control currents or small input currents. It is to be understood that the output winding 41 may couple both of openings 36 and 38, as illustrated, or the output winding may couple only one of openings 36 or 38. However, greater efficiency is obtained when the output winding couples both of openings 36 and 38 since it then interacts with the input flux surrounding both of opening 36 and 38. It is to be understood that the control signal of the FIG. 2 device may be a DC signal as well as the described AC signal. Furthermore, the FIG. 2 circuit is shown and described as having a voltage source; however, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that it may have a current source.

In FIG. 3 is illustrated a logical NOR-circuit 51 which employs the features and construction of magnetic control device of FIG. 2. In the FIG. 3 circuit the input signal in) iS provided by an AC generator 53 and is applied to input winding 55 which is magnetically coupled with openings 57 and 59. The output signal (V,,,,, is obtained from output winding 61 which is also coupled with openings 57 and 59. Control winding 62 is coupled with openings 63 and 64 and is connected through parallel resistors 65, 66 and 67 respectively to terminalsA, B, and C. The logic control signals V V and V are respectively applied to either of terminals A, B, or C and the control signal may be either an AC signal synchronized with the input signal (V,,,) or a DC signal. The control signals are of sufficient magnitude to severely saturate the regions around openings 63 and 64 and thereby effectively block all, or most of, the flux induced by the input signal (V around openings 57 and 59. Therefore, when no control signal is applied to terminals A, B, or C then there will be an output signal (V,,,,,). However, if a control signal appears at either of terminals A. B, or C there will be no, or a very small, output signal (E In FIG. 4 is illustrated a logical NAND-circuit 71 which employsthree magnetic control elements 73 74, and 75 in series. The input signal is provided by an AC generator 77 and is applied to input winding 79 which is magnetically coupled with openings 81 and 82. The output signal is obtained from output winding 83, which is also magnetically coupled with openings 81 and 82. The signal fromoutput winding 83 is applied to input winding 85 of magnetic element 74. The output signal from output winding 87 of magnetic element 74 is applied to input winding 89 of magnetic element 75. Output winding 91 of magnetic element 75 is coupled to openings 93 and 94 and provides an output signal (V,,,,,). The logic control signals V,,, V and V, are respectively applied to terminals A, B, and C which are respectively connected to control windings 95, 96,

and 97 of magnetic elements 73, 74, and 75. The control signals may be either AC signals synchronized with the input signal (V,,,), or DC signals. In operation, if no control signals V, V and V are applied to windings 95, 96, and 97 then each of magnetic devices 73, 74, and 75 is unblocked and the input signal (V,,,) will be transferred from element 73 to element 74 to element 75 and will appear'as an output signal (V That is, the NAND function occurs which no control signals appear at any of terminals A, B, or C. If a control signal, that severely saturates the magnetic element, appears at any one of terminals A, B, or C then no output signal (V,,,,,) will appear from output winding 89 of magnetic element 75 What is claimed is:

l. A magnetic device comprising:

a. a structure made of magnetic material;

b. said structure having first, second, third and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration;

c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings;

d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings;

e. output means for sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding;

f. an AC input source operatively connected to said input winding; and

g. an AC control source operatively connected to said control winding wherein the signal frequency of said AC control source is the same as and is synchronized with the signal of said AC input source.

2. A magnetic device comprising:

a. a structure made of magnetic material;

b. said structure having first, second, third, and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such that said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration;

c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings; 7

d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings;

e. output meansfor sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding;

f. said control winding is operatively connected to at least two resistors in parallel; and

g. means for applying control signals to said at least two resistors of sufficient magnitude to severely saturate said structure surrounding said third and fourth openings.

3. A magnetic device comprising:

a. a structure made of magnetic material;

b. said structure having first, second, third, and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such that said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration;

c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings;

d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings;

e. output means for sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding;

f. at least a second structure of magnetic material;

g. said second structure having first second, third, and fourth openings, formed therein, wherein said openings are in an approximately square configuration and said first and second openings are along one diagonal and said k. the output winding of said first-mentioned structure third and fourth openings are along the other diagonal; operatively connected to the input winding of said second h. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and structure; and

second openings of said second structure; I. means for applying control signals to said control windings a n r l Win ing magnetically coupled with id thi d 5 of said first mentioned and second magnetic structures of and fourth openings of said second structures; sufficient magnitude to severely saturate said structure j. an output winding magnetically coupled with said first and Surroundmg and fourth B second opening of said second structure; 

1. A magnetic device comprising: a. a structure made oF magnetic material; b. said structure having first, second, third and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration; c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings; d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings; e. output means for sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding; f. an AC input source operatively connected to said input winding; and g. an AC control source operatively connected to said control winding wherein the signal frequency of said AC control source is the same as and is synchronized with the signal of said AC input source.
 2. A magnetic device comprising: a. a structure made of magnetic material; b. said structure having first, second, third, and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such that said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration; c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings; d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings; e. output means for sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding; f. said control winding is operatively connected to at least two resistors in parallel; and g. means for applying control signals to said at least two resistors of sufficient magnitude to severely saturate said structure surrounding said third and fourth openings.
 3. A magnetic device comprising: a. a structure made of magnetic material; b. said structure having first, second, third, and fourth openings formed therein, wherein said openings are positioned in an approximately square configuration such that said first and second openings are positioned at opposite ends of one diagonal of said square configuration and said third and fourth openings are positioned at opposite ends of the other diagonal of said square configuration; c. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings; d. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings; e. output means for sensing flux induced in said structure by said input winding; f. at least a second structure of magnetic material; g. said second structure having first second, third, and fourth openings, formed therein, wherein said openings are in an approximately square configuration and said first and second openings are along one diagonal and said third and fourth openings are along the other diagonal; h. an input winding magnetically coupled with said first and second openings of said second structure; i. a control winding magnetically coupled with said third and fourth openings of said second structures; j. an output winding magnetically coupled with said first and second opening of said second structure; k. the output winding of said first-mentioned structure operatively connected to the input winding of said second structure; and l. means for applying control signals to said control windings of said first mentioned and second magnetic structures of sufficient magnitude to severely saturate said structure surrounding said third and fourth openings. 